Exploring the Silver Queen Mine

Murphys Point Provincial Park is a park in Perth, Ontario, Canada. The 1,239-hectare park includes hiking and skiing trails, as well as access to Big Rideau Lake for day-use camping and water activities. For the multi-day camper, there is a park store, visitor centre, and multiple comfort centres with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. The park also includes the restored Silver Queen mica mine from the early twentieth century.

When you visit Silver Queen Mine Trail, you may go through subterranean tunnels full with minerals. The mine can be found near Perth, Ontario, at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park. It’s a 15-minute trip from Perth. According to Ontario Parks, it was in use from 1903 to 1920. Mica, a sparkling mineral utilized in automotive parts and electronics, as well as other sectors, was the principal product of the mine.

The mine flooded every year due to collecting water and was drained once a year for visits during the summer months. Mica rocks and ruins cover the landscape, reminding us of a thriving mining activity that once existed. The mine is a fantastic spot to take the entire family.

The Silver Queen mine was used to extract Mica. In the 1900’s, this mineral was used quite often in society. Thin transparent sheets of mica were used for lanterns and stoves because they were less likely to shatter than glass when exposed to high temperatures.

Other minerals discovered in the silver queen mine included apatite, which was used to make fertiliser, and partite, a type of feldspar that was used to make porcelain and earthenware.

That was only the beginning for the “Silver Queen Mine,” which would go on to become a thriving addition to Ontario’s already expanding mining industry.

Miners smashed, chipped, and chiselled the minerals from the rock to generate mica. They drilled and blasted as well, but the drilling was really impressive. Imagine you’re crouching down with an octagonal iron bar with a sharp end in your hand. A person with a sledge hammer hovers over you, poised to slam the top of your iron bar (called a twist drill). You’re hoping he’s not inebriated or nearsighted. He strikes your bar, then twists it a little before striking it again. To make matters worse, each bar twister was guarded by two men wielding hammers.

The Silver Queen Mica Mine is roughly a five-minute drive west of the main gate on County Road 21 outside of Murphys Point Provincial Park. The cost of a day pass is $15.50 per automobile each day.

Murphys Point is located on the Canadian Shield’s southernmost extension, with a rocky topography more akin to the north. It is part of the historic Rideau Waterway and is located on Big Rideau Lake.

The Friends of Murphys Point’s Heritage Mica Days has been selected one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals. Throughout the summer, there will be events.

Address: 2243 Elm Grove Rd, Perth

Dates open: June until October

For booking or more information, you can go on the site: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/murphyspoint/events

. . .

4